Aix-en-Provence Itinerary 14 Days: A Journey Through Provencal Charm (2026)

Arrive in Aix-en-Provence, check into your hotel, and begin your journey in the heart of the city, the Vieil Aix. Spend the afternoon wandering through the labyrinthine streets of the old town, discovering its charming squares, historic buildings, and the famous Cours Mirabeau. This bustling boulevard, lined with plane trees and elegant mansions, is the perfect place to soak in the city's atmosphere. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Provençal dinner at one of the many excellent restaurants in the old town. Be sure to try some local specialties like a daube provençale (a beef and wine stew) or a tian (a vegetable gratin). After dinner, take a leisurely stroll and admire the beautifully lit fountains that give Aix its nickname, 'the city of a thousand fountains'.

Today is dedicated to Paul Cézanne, the famous Post-Impressionist painter who was born and lived in Aix-en-Provence. Start your day at the Atelier Cézanne, his last studio, which has been preserved as it was when he died. Here you can see his tools, furniture, and the objects he used in his still-life paintings. The studio offers a fascinating glimpse into the artist's world. In the afternoon, visit the Musée Granet, which houses a collection of paintings by Cézanne, as well as works by other European artists from the 14th to the 20th century. The museum provides a comprehensive overview of the artistic history of the region. Afterwards, take a walk to the Terrain des Peintres, a park with a beautiful view of Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a mountain that Cézanne painted over and over again.

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of a Provençal market. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, the streets of Aix-en-Provence are filled with stalls selling fresh produce, local cheeses, cured meats, flowers, and crafts. The Grand Marché on the Cours Mirabeau is a must-visit. Spend the morning browsing the stalls, tasting local specialties, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. In the afternoon, explore the Mazarin Quarter, a peaceful and elegant neighborhood south of the Cours Mirabeau. This area was designed in the 17th century for the city's wealthy elite and is characterized by its grid-like streets and beautiful mansions. Don't miss the Place des Quatre-Dauphins, with its beautiful fountain, and the Hôtel de Caumont, a magnificent 18th-century mansion that now hosts art exhibitions.

Today, you'll take a day trip to the Luberon, a beautiful region of rolling hills, vineyards, and charming hilltop villages. Rent a car and drive through the scenic countryside, stopping at some of the most picturesque villages in France. Start with Gordes, a stunning village perched on a cliff with panoramic views of the Luberon valley. Wander through its narrow streets and admire the stone houses and the 12th-century castle. Next, visit Roussillon, a village famous for its ochre cliffs. The vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues of the earth create a unique and beautiful landscape. Take a walk along the Ochre Trail to fully experience the colors. In the afternoon, visit Lourmarin, a charming village with a beautiful Renaissance castle, art galleries, and cafes. Enjoy a relaxing evening in this picturesque setting before driving back to Aix-en-Provence.

Today is for nature lovers and hikers. Montagne Sainte-Victoire, the mountain that so inspired Cézanne, offers a variety of hiking trails for all levels. Drive to the base of the mountain and choose a trail that suits your fitness level. The hike to the Croix de Provence, a large cross at the summit, is a challenging but rewarding experience, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. If you prefer a more leisurely day, you can take a scenic drive around the mountain, stopping at viewpoints and small villages along the way. The Barrage de Bimont, a dam with a beautiful turquoise lake, is a great place for a picnic and a relaxing walk. In the evening, return to Aix-en-Provence and enjoy a well-deserved dinner.

Today, you'll visit the beautiful coastal town of Cassis and the spectacular Calanques National Park. Cassis is a charming fishing village with a picturesque harbor, colorful houses, and a beautiful pebble beach. Spend the morning exploring the town, browsing the shops, and enjoying a coffee at a waterfront cafe. In the afternoon, take a boat tour to the Calanques, a series of dramatic limestone cliffs that plunge into the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean. The boat tour will take you to some of the most beautiful calanques, such as Port-Miou, Port-Pin, and En-Vau. You can also hike to the calanques from Cassis, but be prepared for a challenging walk. In the evening, enjoy a delicious seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants in Cassis before returning to Aix-en-Provence.

Provence is famous for its rosé wine, and today you'll have the opportunity to taste some of the best. Take a wine tour of the Côtes de Provence Sainte-Victoire wine region, located at the foot of Montagne Sainte-Victoire. Visit several wineries, learn about the wine-making process, and taste a variety of wines, including rosé, red, and white. Many wineries offer guided tours and tastings, and some also have restaurants where you can enjoy a delicious lunch paired with their wines. This is a great way to experience the local culture and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Provençal countryside. In the evening, return to Aix-en-Provence with a few bottles of your favorite wine.

Today, you'll visit the historic city of Arles and the unique landscape of the Camargue. Arles is a city with a rich Roman heritage, and its Roman and Romanesque monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the impressive Roman amphitheater, the Roman theater, and the Alyscamps, a Roman necropolis. Arles is also famous for its association with Vincent van Gogh, who lived and painted here. You can follow a Van Gogh trail to see the places that inspired his paintings. In the afternoon, drive to the Camargue, a vast wetland area known for its wild white horses, black bulls, and pink flamingos. This unique landscape is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers. Take a walk or a bike ride through the park, or go on a horseback ride to explore the area. In the evening, return to Aix-en-Provence.

Today, you'll visit the historic city of Avignon, the former seat of the Catholic Popes. The main attraction is the Palais des Papes, a massive Gothic palace that was the residence of the Popes in the 14th century. Take a guided tour of the palace to learn about its history and admire its impressive architecture. Afterward, visit the Pont d'Avignon, the famous medieval bridge that inspired the song. In the afternoon, explore the charming streets of Avignon's old town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the Place de l'Horloge, the city's main square, and the Rocher des Doms, a beautiful park with panoramic views of the Rhône River and the surrounding area. In the evening, enjoy dinner at one of Avignon's many excellent restaurants before returning to Aix-en-Provence.

After several days of day trips, today is a day to relax and enjoy Aix-en-Provence at a leisurely pace. Start your day with a coffee and a croissant at a cafe on the Cours Mirabeau. Then, indulge in some retail therapy. Aix-en-Provence is a great place for shopping, with a mix of high-end boutiques, independent shops, and well-known brands. The old town is full of charming shops selling local products, such as lavender, olive oil, and calissons. In the afternoon, you could visit one of the city's many museums, such as the Musée des Tapisseries, which houses a collection of tapestries from the 17th and 18th centuries. Or, you could simply relax in one of the city's beautiful parks, such as the Parc Jourdan. In the evening, enjoy a final Provençal dinner at your favorite restaurant.

Today, you'll visit the spectacular Verdon Gorge, one of the most beautiful canyons in Europe. The gorge is about 25 kilometers long and up to 700 meters deep, and its turquoise-green water is a stunning sight. You can drive along the scenic Route des Crêtes, which offers breathtaking views of the gorge. There are several viewpoints along the way where you can stop and take photos. For a more active day, you can go hiking, kayaking, or swimming in the gorge. The Lac de Sainte-Croix, a beautiful artificial lake at the entrance of the gorge, is a great place for water sports. In the evening, return to Aix-en-Provence, tired but happy after a day of adventure.

Today, you'll explore some of Aix-en-Provence's hidden gems. Start your day at the Fondation Vasarely, a museum dedicated to the work of Victor Vasarely, the father of Op Art. The museum is housed in a futuristic building designed by Vasarely himself, and its large-scale, colorful artworks are a feast for the eyes. In the afternoon, visit the Pavillon de Vendôme, a beautiful 17th-century mansion surrounded by a formal French garden. The mansion now houses a museum of art and decorative arts. Afterward, take a walk to the Parc Jourdan, a beautiful public park with a rose garden, a pond, and a playground. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy the sunshine.

Today, you'll take a day trip to Marseille, the oldest city in France and a vibrant, multicultural port. Start your day at the Vieux-Port (Old Port), the heart of the city. Watch the fishermen sell their catch, admire the boats, and soak in the lively atmosphere. From the Vieux-Port, take a boat to the Château d'If, a fortress on an island that was made famous by Alexandre Dumas' novel 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. In the afternoon, visit the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde, a beautiful basilica that sits on a hill overlooking the city. The basilica offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. Afterward, explore the Le Panier district, the oldest part of Marseille, with its narrow streets, colorful houses, and artisan shops. In the evening, enjoy a bouillabaisse, the famous fish stew from Marseille, before returning to Aix-en-Provence.

Enjoy a final breakfast in Aix-en-Provence and do some last-minute souvenir shopping. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have time for a final stroll through the old town or a visit to a museum you missed. Then, it's time to say 'au revoir' to Provence and head to the airport for your flight home, filled with memories of a wonderful two-week adventure.